Todd discusses his childhood in the LDS Church, the influence of the community, and the structured progression the church sets for its members.

• Todd grew up LDS in Mesa, in a ward that consisted of four residential streets, which shaped his early life.
• The church encouraged baptism at age eight, which he reflects on as a decision made without full understanding or maturity.
• The LDS Church provided a roadmap for life, including a mission at age 19, followed by temple marriage and a prescribed path to the celestial kingdom.

Todd explains the steps he followed in the church, including his mission in Taiwan, marriage, and the celebration of these events.

• Todd completed the expected steps of LDS life, including a mission in Taiwan where he learned Chinese.
• He discusses the traditional celebration at the temple after marriage and the belief that these steps lead to happiness and eternal life.

Todd reflects on the painful experience of leaving the LDS Church, the effect on personal relationships, and the church's culture of indoctrination.

• Leaving the church was a painful experience for Todd, affecting friendships and family dynamics.
• Criticism towards the church can result in social ostracization and strained family ties, as love and acceptance are often conditional on church membership.
• Todd emphasizes the church's indoctrination of children and the effort to retain members in the face of a declining membership.

Todd discusses the role of seminary in LDS education and the church's focus on indoctrinating youth.

• LDS students attend seminary classes during school hours for spiritual education, with an expectation to graduate from seminary.
• The church emphasizes youth indoctrination to ensure lifelong membership and counteract the trend of members leaving.

Todd shares his appreciation for nature after leaving the LDS Church and discusses the unique aspects of Arizona's flora.

• Todd has found a new connection with nature, which he now considers his 'God,' and discusses the local jumping cactus in Arizona.

Todd details his faith crisis, driven by church history and truth claims, and describes the process that led to his departure from the church.

• The discrepancies between taught church narratives and historical realities triggered Todd's faith crisis.
• He questions the translation process of the Book of Mormon and the need for the golden plates if they were not used directly.
• Todd's crisis of faith intensified during a business trip to Kirtland, Ohio, a significant church history site, where he did not receive the spiritual confirmation he sought.

Todd recounts the events that led to his family's resignation from the LDS Church, including issues of sexual abuse and the threat of excommunication.

• The handling of a sexual predator's case in their new ward and the lack of transparency from the church were the final straws for Todd and his wife.
• They chose to resign from the church instead of facing excommunication for speaking out and supporting others in faith crises.

Todd addresses broader issues within the LDS Church, such as harm against young people and LGBTQ individuals, and the lack of transparency.

• Todd discusses harms within the church, including to LGBTQ individuals, and accuses the leadership of covering up issues to protect the church's image.
• He stresses the importance of transparency and informed consent in the church, especially given the church's significant financial resources.

Todd describes finding new purpose and meaning after leaving the LDS Church and suggests how members could approach those who leave.

• Todd and his wife find new purpose in helping others, with her studying to be a therapist and him working with special needs children.
• He encourages LDS members to have open and understanding conversations with those who leave the church.